WHO WE ARE

In 1941, a young Toronto osteopath named Dr. Douglas Firth was asked by the Canadian Amateur Ski association to establish a first aid and rescue group to patrol ski hills. He had already spent a few seasons in the 1930s rescuing injured skiers from the trails of the Toronto Ski Club. Before long, wherever there was skiing he mobilized first responders-thus forming the Canadian Ski Patrol.

Today, more than seven decades later, the Canadian Ski Patrol continues to fill a critical need for first responders on the ski slopes and beyond. Still adhering to our original mandate of excellence in “safety and rescue, injury prevention and service ”adopted so long ago, this not-for-profit/ charitable organization has grown along with the Canadian ski industry and continues to play a vital role in the community while actively supporting amateur and professional sport, recreation and active, outdoor lifestyles.

Now 4,500 volunteers strong from coast to coast, the Canadian Ski Patrol provides rescue services, first aid, safety programs, rescue toboggans and medical and first responder equipment for more than 220 alpine and Nordic ski areas nationally. Serving more than 19 million members of the public annually, Canadian Ski Patrol members work with and on behalf of their local ski areas to improve the snow-sliding experience for all enthusiasts.